Konserwacja polichromii i sztukaterii w pałacu w Konarzewie
The Conservation of Polychromy and Stucco in Konarzewo Palace

Summary/Abstract: In 1991–1996, the author supervised the conservation of polychromy and stucco in five chambers in Konarzewo Palace near Poznań: the hall and alcove on the storey, the music and corner rooms on the ground floor, and the grand dining room; unfortunately, the undertaking remains uncompleted. The polychromy represented assorted states of preservation, and certain parts disclosed more than 50% gaps. The conservation, preceded by photographic documentation, began with the removal of repainting and oil varnish rubbed into the plaster surface. Initial attempts were made to remove the repainting with the aid of organic solvents (mineral spirits, turpentine, toluene, acetone). Satisfactory results were obtained, however, after the application of pastes based on methyl chloride. Remnants were removed with acetone, with simultaneous additional cleaning by means of bristle paint brushes. The complete removal of the oiled painted layers was followed by a cleaning of the surface of the painting with a 5% solution of saponins in distilled water. The elimination of the repainting revealed the presence of rather numerous gypsum putties, especially along the edge of the composition. The putties were removed mechanically. The loosening of the plaster was glued with a 5–10% water solution of polyvinyl acetate. Gaps in the plaster and cracks were filled with a lime–sand mass (3:1), covering moistened areas with a thin layer of lime, tinted with the local colour. Repair of the gaps and rubbed out spots was accomplished by resorting to the “small point” technique, and mineral paints produced by Winsor–Newton, diluted in whitewash. The surface of the painting was rendered protected with a 1% solution of Paraloid B–T2 in toluene. The removal of the repainting of the stucco was conducted mechanically, after the surface was sprinkled with water.

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